It’s that time of year again, Leeds’ Christmas Markets are back.
The areas of Millenium Square and City Square in the centre of Leeds are now filled with the bright lights of the annual Christmas market’s festive food stalls and classic fair rides, alongside the returning Thor’s Tipi bar and the Ice Cube skating rink.
The markets opened for business this weekend, featuring classic festive attractions such as a mulled wine bar, a Bratwurst stall and the Leeds Wheel of Light at the bottom of The Headrow.
Every year, Christmas markets around the country welcome tens of thousands of visitors but, this year, people are not as likely to join the crowds due to personal financial constraints.
With the government about to announce upcoming budget cuts, some feel that luxuries such as a £12 Yorkshire Pudding Wrap are excessive during the current economic climate in the UK.
Christmas markets have a reputation for being overpriced and underwhelming, with shoppers in Leeds saying “I can think of better things to spend my money on at this time of year,” and “they’re overhyped for what you get.”
According to LV= research, a quarter of UK adults say they are spending less than usual this Christmas, a 3% increase from last year due to the increasing cost-of-living crisis.
Rebecca, who works at one of the market stalls selling fudge, says they are trying to keep prices “as low as possible” this year, “obviously we have a lot of outgoings but we’re just aiming to make everybody happy by making it affordable”, she says, “it’s hard because everything’s gone up so much in price.”
It seems that this year’s Budget has come at the worst time for the Christmas retail industry.
